“They were pretty busy when we left. I’m sure she’d make room for us, but maybe we should find somewhere else to go?” She certainly didn’t wish to give her brother anything to tease her about, and she didn’t want to risk running into Stephen. Especially after that faux pas she’d pulled before leaving.
Bob gave a nod. “Sure wish more restaurants would open in Madison Creek. Can’t wait until the Lakeshore is operating. I like Mallory’s, but it’s not a great date night place.”
So he did consider this a date. Great. Well, she needed to branch out and give other guys a chance, didn’t she? Bob was a nice guy, though he didn’t cause the stirrings in her that Stephen did. Bekka sank lower into the seat, pulling Ethan’s flannel jacket tighter around her. She needed to definitely get over Stephen. She’d given him too many years of thoughts. Way too many.
“Mallory’s will be nice.”
In about half an hour, Bob had moored his boat at the docks. Bekka helped him secure the cover in case the storm did reach them. As they walked along the pier, his arm went around her back, warming her against the chilled wind. His jeep was parked close, and once they were buckled in, he cranked up the heater. “I should have thought to bring extra jackets or blankets. Knew it might get cold, but I didn’t intend to stay out so long.”
“My fault. I lost track of time.” She held her fingers in front of the blower, grateful his heater warmed quickly. “Soup would be great at this point. Mallory has some wonderful beef stew.”
“Yes, she does.” He pulled out and after a couple of turns, they were searching along the street for a parking spot. “Looks like she is busy too. Guess the nicer weather drew people out of their homes tonight.”
Bekka sighed. “It was a gorgeous evening. That sunset… I can’t thank you enough for taking me out. I really did need to get away for a few hours.”
“The pleasure was all mine. I’m kind of in the same boat. My brother has been on me about getting out and stop being such a hermit.”
“You don’t strike me as the hermit type. Ethan said you and your brother have been helping him around the property.”
He finally found a parking spot and pulled in. “Yeah. He’s a good guy.” Getting out, he hurried around and opened the door for her. As they walked the block and a half to the diner, he continued. “I did enjoy helping your brother at the big house during the winter months. What a couple of workers they are.” Bob grasped her hand and tucked her fingers around the crook of his elbow. “Soon as the weather cleared, we started to tackle the barn.”
“I know he really appreciates you both. He’s said nothing but good things about you.”
When they reached the restaurant entrance, he held open the door for her to enter. Inside, the place was indeed packed, but warm. The savory smells made her stomach rumble.
Mallory rushed past with a tray loaded with several plates. “Seems nobody wants to cook at home tonight. Since that Texas chick is turning people away, they’ve decided to grace my place. Nice huh? Are you barbecue rejects, too?”
Bob chuckled. “No. We were fully aware of how crazy busy it is up on the hill. Decided we wanted your wonderful beef stew. If you have a place to sit.”
Her head jerked toward a side room. “There’s a couple of tables left in the alcove.”
They found a spot at a corner table beside the front windows. “At least we can keep an eye on that storm from here.” Bekka took a seat nearest the wall. She didn’t need to check the menu for what she wanted, so she pushed hers aside. “You never said why your brother thinks you’ve been a hermit.”
He set his menu down with a shrug. “Actually, he thinks I’ve been moping too much since my…” He stopped with a lopsided grin. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to talk about past relationships while on a date, do you?”
Was she going to admit this was a date? She liked Bob but wasn’t too sure she wanted to get into any relationships while her future was so up in the air. “So what if we just consider this a friends night out?” She blew out a long breath. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be here. I’d rather not give you the wrong idea, though I’ve really enjoyed this evening.”
He looked a little relieved. “Me too. I’m getting over a major break-up. Bill is right that I need to start getting out. I’m just…” He gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Not ready for anything…”
“Serious?” She finished for him. “Then we’re in the same boat.” Rolling her eyes, she added, “So to speak.”
He laughed. “Brilliant. I love it.”
The waitress showed up, and Bob ordered two bowls with a basket of rolls.” They kept their conversation casual while waiting for their food.
When their stew finally arrived, Bob held out his open hand. “Mind if I pray over our meal?”
He even prayed? What was wrong with her not falling totally in love with this guy? He was perceptive, kind, and strong in his beliefs. As she slipped her hand into his, she reminded herself that she wasn’t staying. But even if she was… would she consider him as someone who might make her happy? He was a hard worker. He was everything her family held in esteem.
She blew on her stew, wondering why her rebellious heart had to trip up over that playboy trouble-maker Stephen? What was wrong with her?
They remained at the table long after they’d finished off their meal talking about general topics. She enjoyed the safe, pointless topics about movies they’d seen, or what baseball teams they cheered for. Mallory didn’t seem to mind them taking up the spot. But when Bekka checked the time on her phone, she realized the diner would soon close and suggested they head back to the inn. Hopefully, most of the dinner crowd had died out, as they had here, and she could actually get to her room without fighting her way past a room full of customers. She felt kind of bad for not offering to help out.
Poor Haley and Ethan were a little in over their heads.
When they stepped outside, a scattering of raindrops began falling. Bob flipped the hood of his denim jacket up over his head. “I didn’t bring an umbrella. Why don’t you wait here while I bring the car around?”
“I don’t mind running for it.”
He grabbed her hand, and they jogged across the street. By the time they reached his jeep, the drops were hitting more steadily. “I hope Haley doesn’t have a lot of people out on the deck. She was going to try offering outside seating.”
Bob laughed, wiping the wetness from his face. “I’m sure they’re closing up by now.”
The rain continued in a pleasant spring shower as they reached the Victorian. The driveway was clear now, much to Bekka’s relief. Bob asked her to wait for him as he got out and ran around to her side, holding his jacket to shield her. What a gentleman. Again she wondered what was wrong with her.
Once he got her safely to the cover of the porch, he walked her around to the front door.
“I can’t thank you enough for the boat ride. This has been such a fun night.” She beamed up at him, hoping they could at least remain friends.
He leaned against one of the posts, his wet coat hanging from one hand while the other was hooked over his pants pocket. “I’d love to see the pictures you ended up with. If you don’t mind sharing them.”
“Not at all.” She slipped out of the wet flannel shirt that was great for cold, but not rain. “I’d invite you in, but who knows the state of things in there.”
“Oh, no. I better go. I… um…” He straightened, his gaze intent on her. Under the porch light, she noticed his eyes were a dark chocolate color. Sweet, like him. “If you do decide to stay, maybe…” He sighed. “If you find yourself thinking of me. Maybe we can do this again. I enjoyed hanging out with you, too.” He bent to brush her cheek with a kiss, but he caught her by surprise just as she turned and her lips found his.
His touch was soft and gentle. It had been so long since she’d let someone kiss her she wasn’t sure anymore how to rate this one. She certainly couldn’t find it objectionable.
“Thank
you for that.” He grinned when she finally pulled back.
“Uh, welcome.” Maybe? She wasn’t sure. “Good night.”
He bid her a good night and hurried to his car. She reached for the front door when it opened to two young people bundling up on their way out. “Hey Miss Bekka,” Sage waved. “You got back in time to miss the craziness. What a night.”
Nick Prater followed his fiancé out and draped his arm across her shoulders. “Yeah, the old men are crying like babies over their sore feet.” He chuckled at his joke. “We better hurry if we’re going to beat that storm, Sweet Sage.”
“Night.” She waved as he whisked her down the steps.
They were such a cute couple and so in love. They’d been friends for a long time, according to Haley. That was one thing she’d loved about Stephen. His familiarity. They knew each other and still got along. Most times. If she’d let go of her past hurts, they’d probably be great friends again. If she’d let go, and stop harboring her stupid feelings for him. Maybe, she should consider staying and giving Bob a chance.
The only problem was she didn’t feel like she was at home with Bob. Not like she did with Stephen.
Closing the door behind her, she hung Ethan’s wet shirt on a vacant peg and found the gang slumped in the sitting area around a roaring fire. Leon excused himself saying he was exhausted.
Haley buried her face in her hands. “We’re going to need more help tomorrow, or we’re sunk.”
Ethan was laid out on the couch, his head resting on a pillow propped against Haley’s lap. A towel covered his eyes. “I think we need to rethink our objectives here, babe. It was so crazy tonight. What will it be like when he have people staying, too?”
“I don’t know,” Haley moaned. “I just don’t know. The restaurant is what’s bringing in the money right now.”
Stephen propped his feet on an ottoman. “I’ll come wash dishes again. Worry about that other stuff later. Let’s get through this weekend, first.”
Ethan gave a nod. “He has a point. Still, we could use another person taking orders.”
“You really saved us in the kitchen tonight, pumpkin. I sure appreciate you stopping in.” Haley tugged at a frazzled stand of Ethan’s hair. “Tole you, we should be doing paper plates and plastic cups.”
Ethan chuckled. “I can’t do that to the environment. We can wash dishes. I think you need to hire a few more teens, babe. I’m sure there are a few at church who would like to earn some extra cash.”
Haley leaned back against the couch and kicked her boots off. “Think you’re right. I’ll visit the youth room and leave a notice.”
“Hard night?” Bekka chuckled at the sight of them. They talked as if they’d just run a hundred miles.
Stephen’s gaze remained glued to the hearth. Ethan sat up, pulling the rag from his face. “Finally back from your date? Tell me Bob didn’t keep you out on the lake this late.”
She shook her head. “No, we stopped at the diner.”
Ethan smirked. “Well? How did it go?” His mouth pursed causing his eyes to wrinkle along the edges as they often did when he was being nosey.
What a bonehead.
“It was a nice evening. I can probably help out tomorrow, Haley.” Bekka gave a casual shrug and took a step toward the stairs. “Good night everyone. I’m going to my room and load the pictures I took—”
“Hold up there, Sissy.” Ethan slowly stood, wincing when his full weight fell on his feet. He limped around the back of the couch. “That’s not telling me anything.”
Haley snickered as she tilted her head back to view Bekka. “He wants to know if you fell in love with Beetle brother number one.”
Bekka mouthed the words the woman spoke but wasn’t too sure what she meant.
Ethan tugged at one of Haley’s curls. “You really need to stop calling them the Beetle brothers.” Laughing, he folded his arms across his chest and turned back to her. “But yes, I do want to know what you thought of Bob Beaty.”
Her mind was still spinning a little over the kiss, trying to work out exactly how she felt. “He’s great. Really kind and polite. I had…” why were Ethan’s brows furrowing? “A pleasant evening.”
Her brother’s mouth turned up in a half grin. “You kissed him, didn’t you?” Pointing a finger at her, he chuckled. “I know that blush.”
Heat flooded her face. Darn him! “Like I’d tell you?” She took a swipe at him, but her brother ducked out of the way. Shaking her head, she started for the stairs. “Mind your own—”
The front door slammed closed. Bekka realized Stephen’s chair was now empty. From the troubled looks on their faces, Haley and Ethan realized it, too.
Ethan glanced down at his girlfriend. “Thought he was exhausted. Where do you think he’s going?”
“Home to bed?” Bekka suggested.
Haley rushed to the bay window. She pushed the curtain aside and peered out. “Doubt that. Looks like he’s borrowing your truck, babe.” She rested her shoulder against the frame. “An’ he calls me a tornado.”
There seemed to be some kind of tempest going on in Stephen, too.
Chapter Ten
Stephen needed… something. Anything. He jumped into Ethan’s truck, knowing his friend always left the keys under the seat. The tires of the little red pick-up fishtailed over the wet asphalt before gripping and shooting him onto the road. Bekka had let that grease monkey kiss her? It shouldn’t bother him, but it did. Too much.
“Face it, Gaines, you have no claim to her.” His fist came down on the steering wheel. She deserves a good man.
Rain pounded on the windshield. However, the storm was no match for the squall going on inside of him. Stephen hit the gas, taking the road into town. The wheels screeched before he eased back his foot, not wanting another of Ethan’s vehicles to go off the road. He should call and let his friend know he needed to run an errand. That he’d return… eventually. Feeling his pocket, he realized he’d left his phone sitting on the arm of the chair.
Well, he’d bring the truck home soon as he regained control of his rampant thoughts. Soon as his heart slowed to a more normal pace. He shouldn’t have been so bothered by Bekka. If his friend found out… no, he’d not let that happen.
All he needed was an hour or so to beat his feelings back into submission… into that safe box where he kept them. Maybe it was time for him to return to New York.
After all, this was only supposed to be a break. A quick trip to visit a friend. Not to find a new home. If only he liked Manhattan more. The city itself had a great entertainment scene. For those who could afford it. Despite his inheritance, with his expenses and the orchestra’s low starting pay, he’d be in debt within a couple of years if he didn’t move up quickly, or find a better company.
Besides, the orchestra, his reason for going there in the first place, simply didn’t fit his style of music. He’d grown weary of walking the tightrope between the dueling percussionists and the feuding violas. The place had shown the extremity of the artistic mind, both in arrogance and self-absorption, in only a few short months.
E-man had been smart to walk away.
Stephen considered joining his friend in his new endeavor. They were a team, weren’t they?
Not if Ethan found out how he felt about Bekka.
Stephen headed the truck toward the convenience store. Then his foot eased up on the accelerator. He’d gone a whole week without one smoke. To cave now would set him back on square one. No, he needed to avoid the store. But he needed… something.
His fingers rapped a beat on the steering wheel. The storm was growing in intensity, and he didn’t care to drive Ethan’s truck in it. A flashing neon sign caught his attention: Down by the Creek Lounge. That would work. He’d hole up in there, have a drink and get himself out of this snit he’d let himself get into. He’d not had a drink since New Year’s Eve. Yeah, he deserved a night to just chill.
By the time he reached the door, his shirt was drenched from the dow
npour. Once inside, warmth welcomed him into to the dimly lit room. A pool game was going on in a side alcove, dancing and karaoke in the back area. He placed his order and headed for the tables, hoping to join in a pool game.
A couple of guys, farmers from their mud-stained coats and jeans, challenged him. Stephen rose to their challenge, knowing he could take them easily enough. This was his game. He sandbagged the first round with the tall, chubby one called Paul, then came back strong as the stakes grew in dollar amount. After three drinks and four games, he was ready to take his winnings and head back to the barn. Hopefully, Ethan wouldn’t be too furious about him taking off in his truck.
“Thanks, fellas,” Stephen folded the wad of cash and started to tuck it into his front pocket.
The shorter man, Jinkens, scrunched up his weathered face and folded his arms across his narrow chest. “You can’t leave without giving us one more chance to win back our hard earned money.”
Stephen chuckled. “If it was so hard to come by, I’m wondering why you play with it so freely?”
Paul, his red beanie cap turned backward, returned with three shot glasses. He handed his friend one, then offered Stephen the other.
Stephen shook his head and held up his hand.
Paul set the glass in front of him. “We said loser buys. Don’t waste it, buddy. You deserve a shot after that game. We’ve done our share of hustling, but you’ve perfected the skill. Neither of us saw it coming.”
“Hey, I didn’t come in here to hustle.” He took the small glass. One more wouldn’t kill him. “You guys played a great game.”
Paul held up his drink. “Just one more chance, ay? Winner takes all.”
Stephen relented and tapped the man’s glass, then his buddy’s. He didn’t need their money. Maybe one more game wouldn’t hurt. He downed the shot. It burned along his throat and left a salty taste in his mouth. Disgusting. Ugh! No, it was time to go. But he didn’t really want trouble with these two.
“Look who crawled out of their rat hole.”
Raining Fools (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 2) Page 11